Full Day Guided Fishing Adventure with Crawfish Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour guided fishing trip targeting multiple inshore speciesCaptain Kenny Crawford provides all equipment and expertise neededAccommodates up to six passengers for group fishing experiences
Get ready for a full day of serious fishing action around Amelia Island's legendary waters. Captain Kenny Crawford knows these sounds like the back of his hand, and he's going to put you on some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking eight solid hours targeting black drum, cobia, king mackerel, redfish, and sheepshead. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or this is your first time with a rod in hand, Kenny's got the local knowledge and patience to make sure everyone on board has a shot at some quality fish. With room for up to six anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to spend a proper day on the water.
Captain Kenny runs his operation out of Amelia Island's pristine sounds, where the mix of structure, current, and baitfish creates some of the most productive fishing on Florida's northeast coast. You'll start early to make the most of those prime feeding windows, and Kenny will adjust the game plan based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. The boat's equipped with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and all the gear to handle whatever comes up from the depths. Kenny's been working these waters for years, so he knows which oyster bars hold the biggest redfish, where the cobia cruise in spring, and exactly when the king mackerel start their runs. Expect to move around throughout the day as conditions change and different species become active.
This trip covers a lot of ground, literally and figuratively, so you'll get exposed to different techniques depending on what you're targeting. For the redfish and black drum, we'll work the shallow flats and oyster bars with live bait and cut bait, often sight fishing when conditions allow. The cobia fishing involves a mix of live bait fishing near structure and sometimes sight casting to cruising fish – these guys can get picky, but when they eat, it's game on. King mackerel fishing means trolling with live bait or pulling spoons and plugs at varying depths until we find where they're feeding. Sheepshead require a completely different approach – these bait thieves hang around structure and pilings, and you need quick reflexes and the right presentation to hook up. Kenny provides all the tackle, from light spinning gear for the sheepshead to heavier conventional setups for the kings and cobia.
Black drum around Amelia Island are absolute bruisers, especially the big bulls that can push 40 pounds or more. These fish love the oyster bars and grass flats, particularly during higher tides when they can get up shallow to feed on crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall are prime time for the bigger fish, though you can catch them year-round. When a big drum takes your bait, get ready for a bulldogging fight that'll test your tackle and your patience – these fish don't give up easy.
Sheepshead might be the craftiest fish in these waters, earning their nickname as "bait stealers" for good reason. They school up around structure like dock pilings, bridge supports, and rocky areas, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Winter months are peak season when they gather in large numbers to spawn. Don't let their size fool you – a good sheepshead will put up a scrappy fight and they're absolutely delicious on the table.
King mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery, capable of blazing runs that'll peel line off your reel faster than you can believe. They show up in good numbers from spring through fall, following bait schools and temperature breaks. A decent king will go 20-30 pounds, but the real trophies can push 50 pounds or more. The initial run is spectacular, but be ready for multiple screaming runs before you get them to the boat.
Redfish are Florida fishing royalty, and Amelia Island's grass flats and oyster bars are prime real estate for these copper-colored fighters. Slot-size fish in the 18-27 inch range are common, but you might encounter bull reds over 27 inches that'll really test your skills. They're year-round residents, though fall brings some of the best action when they school up for their spawning runs. The way a red peels drag in shallow water with its powerful tail kicks is something every angler needs to experience.
Cobia are the wild cards of this trip – when they show up, everything else takes a back seat. Spring migration brings the best shots at these brown sharks, as locals call them, when they cruise near the surface looking for food. A good cobia will go 30-50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat, giving you multiple chances to get them to eat. When they do, hold on tight because cobia are notorious for making powerful runs toward any structure they can find.
Eight hours on Amelia Island's premier fishing grounds with a captain who knows every productive spot, every seasonal pattern, and exactly how to put you on fish – that's what you're getting with Crawfish Charters. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to serious fishing, planning a guys' trip, or just want to spend a proper day targeting some of Florida's best gamefish, this trip delivers. Captain Kenny provides everything except the fish – though with his track record in these waters, even that's pretty much guaranteed. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. These full-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to secure your spot on what could be your best fishing day of the year.
Get ready to hit the waters around Amelia Island aboard our lightning-fast 33' Contender center console! This beast is powered by triple 250 HP Yamaha four-strokes, making her the quickest offshore charter on the island. Captain Kenny will put you on the fish using top-notch Raymarine electronics and radar to locate those prime fishing spots where black drum, cobia, king mackerel, redfish, and sheepshead are biting. The spacious center console layout gives all six anglers plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines. We've got tournament-grade tackle ready to go, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of finding productive water, while GPS keeps us on the hottest spots. Whether you're after that trophy king mackerel or a cooler full of redfish, this rig has everything you need for a successful day on Amelia Island's productive inshore and nearshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are some of the biggest fighters you'll find in our waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These silver-black bruisers love our oyster beds and muddy flats, especially during spring spawning season when they school up in shallow water. You can actually hear them "drumming" underwater - it's wild. They're cousins to redfish but pack way more power. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near structure. When one grabs your bait, you'll know it - they pull like freight trains and test every knot you've tied.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the wanderers of our waters - big, brown, and always cruising alone looking for an easy meal. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, making them serious tackle testers. They hang around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet, though we spot them shallow too. Spring migration is prime time when they're moving through our area to spawn. People love them because they're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat, plus they're fantastic eating - firm, white meat that's like a cross between grouper and mahi. Here's my secret: sight fish them with bucktail jigs and be ready for anything - they fight dirty.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your drag and your reflexes. These silver rockets typically run 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds when we find the big ones offshore. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, especially around temperature breaks and current lines. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. The fight is what hooks people - long, screaming runs that'll empty your reel in seconds. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: run a dual-hook rig with live bait like blue runners or pogies. Hook one through the nose, let the stinger hook trail behind. When a king hits, let them run before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what got me hooked on inshore fishing - they're aggressive, beautiful, and fight like they're twice their size. These copper-colored fish with black spots near their tails typically run 18-27 inches around here, perfect slot fish for the table. They love our shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring are money times when they're really feeding. What makes them special is the visual fishing - you can actually spot them tailing in shallow water. The meat is sweet and mild, great for any recipe. My go-to trick: throw topwater plugs early morning over grass flats. When they blow up on it, the sound will give you chills.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the pickpockets of the fish world - they'll steal your bait before you know what hit you. These gray fish with black stripes run 1-8 pounds typically, though we see some 15+ pounders around the dock pilings and bridge structures they love. They've got human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs, which makes them both creepy and fascinating. Spring is prime time when they spawn around structures. The meat is absolutely top-shelf - sweet, white, and flaky. Here's the key: use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They're notorious bait thieves, so stay alert.
Amelia Island